INDIANAPOLIS – After significant public opposition, an administrative law judge for the Natural Resources Commission has recommended against a bobcat hunting season.

Sandra Jensen also said there could be unexpected financial impacts from a second proposed nuisance rule mandating the euthanization of raccoons, opossums and coyotes caught by nuisance removal companies.

“The department's response with respect to the public comment on these rule proposals is minimal and does not fully address the concerns expressed by the public,” she said in a 23-page report. “With respect to these administrative rule proposals, the hearing officer recommends additional enlightened discussion and thorough consideration by the commission.”

A vote on the proposals is expected Tuesday. The commission has 12 members, including several citizens. They approved the initial rules in September.Since then, the department has held two public hearings that drew hundreds of concerned people. Plentiful online comments were also submitted.

The bobcat rule would authorize a bobcat hunting and trapping season with a bag limit of one bobcat per person and a statewide quota. The season would run from Nov. 8 to Jan. 31 and “likely” be limited to southern Indiana counties.